Seaside Libertines
Adopting William Bouguereau’s ‘The Bathers’ (1884) as my inspiration, this new piece shows two beautiful women flaunting it as nature intended while they relax in a quiet spot on the beach.The bottles of Coke and 7UP provide the flavour of contemporary culture, as do the bikinis, sunglasses and elegant footwear. I was drawn to the two bathers primarily because of the composition. I love the two different heights; one sitting and the other standing.The flattened pyramid of the rock feature behind them also creates a very pleasing shape and it breaks up the backdrop. This piece had to have space, hence the 97 x 138 cm dimensions. I wanted it to have an imposing presence
when it is displayed with the other pieces. Details such as the different states of their undress show two different personalities, although they are united in a sense of independence and their lack of inhibition. Sensual and strong is always a feature when I paint women and this painting, I believe, exemplifies this. It is an ambitious piece designed to capture the feel and quality of the classic painters of that Romantic period and make the most of the way I paint.
Oil on Canvas | 97cm x 138cm
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